Active discussions

Help end medical misogyny. Sign our petition.

Help end medical misogyny.
Sign our petition.

Sign the petition

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Property/DIY

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

Original poster

Windows - Agate grey vs White

59 replies

TryingMyBestHonestly · 18/02/2026 15:45

Hi all!

We need to replace all the windows in our first house a 1930s semi, as the current aluminium ones are essentially on their last legs.

I was absolutely set on agate grey flush sash, but now I’m having a wobble and wondering if white would actually look better/be more in keeping with the house.

It’s a semi-detached and our joint neighbours have white windows. Part of me thinks white is more classic and safer, but I do really like the look of agate grey and it feels a bit more modern.

I’ve attached some mock-ups (done on ChatGPT) of our actual house showing both options. The glazing bar/panel configuration wouldn’t be exactly the same as shown as we’ve chosen a slightly different layout, but it gives a general idea of the colours.

Would love to hear thoughts! Thanks :)

Windows - Agate grey vs White
Windows - Agate grey vs White
OP posts:
k1233 · 21/02/2026 05:36

All design sites are saying grey is out and warmth is in. Windows last a long time so I would not go with a trend as it will be out of style quickly. White is classic.

TheClangyClunk · 21/02/2026 07:03

The agate grey is lovely, different to the anthracite that was hugely popular during the ‘everything grey’ trend.

i need to replace painted wooden windows and I’m in a similar predicament, OP.

LoveWine123 · 21/02/2026 07:10

pastaandpesto · 20/02/2026 09:04

Personally I think that white windows rarely look good. We are so deeply conditioned to think of white as a safe option, but objectively, white is extremely harsh against brick and stone and actually draws attention to the frames rather than softening them.and anchoring them to the rest of the exterior.

I live in an area with a a lot of historic older houses and the majority of them have wooden painted windows in various shades of stone, soft greys and greens. Those that have used white look jarring and cheap in comparison.

I think the PPs who are anti grey are thinking of the dark anthracite grey which was a very specific fashion. The grey in your photo is lovely and complements the house so much better than the white.

Agree with this.

camelfinger · 21/02/2026 07:11

I like the agate grey, it’s not the type of dark grey that is all over the place and seems dated. I think it suits your property so I can see why you considered it. That said, in your position I would likely chicken out and opt for white.

Original poster
TryingMyBestHonestly · 21/02/2026 07:16

wand3rer · 21/02/2026 02:38

Neither.

White goes with most colours, except cream and yellow.

Agate grey works with red brick.

Your house is cream. So I agree with @7238SM. Thin black aluminium windows are the best option.

That’s valid, however the render is super old and cracking so will definitely be replacing in the future and getting external insulation done at the same time. The windows will look odd with the old cream rendering but hoping it looks good in the future when we’re able to change the colour! :)

OP posts:
Rituelec · 21/02/2026 07:20

Lighterandbrighter · 18/02/2026 15:49

Every time I see grey windows it just screams fad and that it will date. I'd go white.

Came to say this!

Dragonscaledaisy · 21/02/2026 07:24

pastaandpesto · 20/02/2026 09:04

Personally I think that white windows rarely look good. We are so deeply conditioned to think of white as a safe option, but objectively, white is extremely harsh against brick and stone and actually draws attention to the frames rather than softening them.and anchoring them to the rest of the exterior.

I live in an area with a a lot of historic older houses and the majority of them have wooden painted windows in various shades of stone, soft greys and greens. Those that have used white look jarring and cheap in comparison.

I think the PPs who are anti grey are thinking of the dark anthracite grey which was a very specific fashion. The grey in your photo is lovely and complements the house so much better than the white.

There's nothing worse than white uPVC windows.

TheClangyClunk · 21/02/2026 12:36

I rather like this colour (not the shape). It has a bit about it than brilliant white.
www.residencecollection.co.uk/colours/clotted-cream/

NaneePolly · 26/02/2026 21:40

TryingMyBestHonestly · 18/02/2026 15:45

Hi all!

We need to replace all the windows in our first house a 1930s semi, as the current aluminium ones are essentially on their last legs.

I was absolutely set on agate grey flush sash, but now I’m having a wobble and wondering if white would actually look better/be more in keeping with the house.

It’s a semi-detached and our joint neighbours have white windows. Part of me thinks white is more classic and safer, but I do really like the look of agate grey and it feels a bit more modern.

I’ve attached some mock-ups (done on ChatGPT) of our actual house showing both options. The glazing bar/panel configuration wouldn’t be exactly the same as shown as we’ve chosen a slightly different layout, but it gives a general idea of the colours.

Would love to hear thoughts! Thanks :)

Grey is so outdated now, white or pure black are a much safer bet

New posts on this thread. Refresh page